The Smerconish Podcast

'Bucks County, USA' premieres on PBS on September 20, 2026.

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Should Robert Kraft have pressured Ed Sheeran to drop Macklemore from his tour? Michael breaks down the controversy surrounding Macklemore’s “Free Palestine” remarks and the pressure from Kraft and other NFL owners. Was this a stand against hate speech, or did it cross the line into silencing political expression? Plus, Michael explains why the fallout may have only amplified the controversy. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com

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Has America’s era of global dominance come to an end? Michael contrasts two very different assessments of U.S. power—one arguing that the “American Age” is over, and another saying the shining city has dimmed but remains formidable. From Trump, NATO and immigration to energy, China and America’s standing abroad, Michael lays out the debate and hears from listeners across the country. Original air date 17 September 2026. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com

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Today's Poll Question at Smerconish.com: Was the Boston Globe right to name the Clancy holdout juror? Yes or no? Michael examines the fallout after the Boston Globe identified the lone holdout juror in the Lindsay Clancy murder case, despite a judge’s decision to seal jurors’ names over safety concerns. What does the disclosure mean for juror privacy, future high-profile trials, and people’s willingness to serve? Plus, a revisit to yesterday's poll question on the growing debate over artificial intelligence regulation, including recent examples of AI misuse and troubling behavior by developing AI systems. And, a preview of tonight’s YouTube live "Can We Agree?" discussion with trial lawyers Danny Cevallos and Carlos Vega, on the Clancy case. Please vote, and rate, review and share this podcast! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com

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Michael talks with political analyst Mark Halperin about the developing 2028 Democratic presidential field, including the potential contenders already positioning themselves for the race. Halperin updates us on his '8 for 2028' list with some surprising moves involving Bernie Sanders, Kamala Harris, and Gavin Newsom. Then, the conversation turns to artificial intelligence, regulation, China and whether AI could emerge as a defining political issue. Plus, listeners weigh in on the candidates, AI and what they want from the next president. Original air date 16 September 2026. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com

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Today's Poll Question at Smerconish.com: Who should regulate artificial intelligence? As AI advances at breathtaking speed, the debate over who should set the guardrails is intensifying. Michael explores the choices: federal regulation, state-by-state rules, oversight by AI companies themselves, or no regulation at all. The discussion features arguments from former cyber czar Richard Clarke and Cato Institute policy expert Jennifer Huddleston, plus insight from former NATO Supreme Allied Commander James Stavridis’ case for federal oversight. From fears of deceptive AI behavior to concerns that regulation could stifle innovation, this episode examines the stakes behind one of technology’s most urgent policy debates. Listen here and be sure to RATE, REVIEW, and SHARE this podcast! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com

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For 25 years, we’ve heard the people who fell from the Twin Towers on 9/11 described as “jumpers.” Former New York City death investigator Barbara Butcher tells Michael why that word is wrong—and why every victim who died that day was officially classified as a homicide. A powerful conversation about language, dignity, and how we remember those lost on September 11. Original air date 14 September 2026. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com

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Today's Poll Question at Smerconish.com: Is the Democratic Party's future democratic socialism?

Michael examines the ideological battle shaping the Democratic Party and introduces his new long-form YouTube series, Can We Agree? In the debut episode, Democratic centrist Congressman Tom Suozzi faces former Ohio State Senator and Bernie Sanders campaign co-chair Nina Turner over capitalism, democratic socialism, economic inequality, the social safety net, and what voters actually want from government. Michael shares a revealing exchange between the two and explains why he’s betting on substance, civility, and uninterrupted debate in an era dominated by sound bites and political food fights. Listen here, and please RATE, REVIEW, and SHARE this podcast! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com

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The people building artificial intelligence are sounding increasingly dire warnings about what it could become—but Michael says the bigger story is what AI is already being used to do. He digs into Anthropic’s latest report detailing real-world cases involving mass surveillance, autonomous weapons, cyber operations and biological research, and asks whether government and industry are moving fast enough to prevent disaster. Original air date 14 September 2026. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com

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Today's Poll Question at Smerconish.com: Who really runs the American economy? Is it big tech, big banks and big oil or the millionaires on Main Street?

Michael explores the surprising wealth and economic influence of America’s “Main Street millionaires,” inspired by Owen Zidar and Eric Zwick’s new book, "The Everywhere Millionaire." From car dealers and contractors to doctors, lawyers, restaurateurs and other owners of pass-through businesses, these entrepreneurs may be hiding in plain sight—and collectively wielding far more wealth than the Forbes 400. Are we paying too much attention to billionaire tech titans and Wall Street moguls while overlooking the business owners driving local economies across America? Listen here, then vote, and be sure to rate, review, AND share this podcast! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com

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